what is a roofer?
A roofer specialises in roof construction for both commercial and residential buildings. As a roofer, you monitor the entire process, from analysing the construction plans to installing the new roofing materials. That means you will build, remodel and maintain roofs on offices, public buildings, stadiums, factories and residential houses. Since buildings have different types of roofs, you need to be familiar with them. For instance, most industrial and commercial properties have flat or slightly sloping roofs, while residential homes have pitched roofs. As a roofer, you need to know how to work on both types of roofs.
what does a roofer do?
Roofing projects differ depending on the construction plan, and you should be comfortable working with different materials, including grey slate, sheeting, red tiles and thatch. Aside from the installation of new roofing, roofers also maintain the existing roofing materials or work on the necessary repairs. Most maintenance works require inspecting the roof and finding the perfect way to remodel. You also have to replace the plywood and joists or install new metal panels to ensure the roof is structurally sound. The job requires physical fitness to work on rooftops and handle heavy materials.
Would working as a roofer suit your interest in hands-on work? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a roofer role.
average salary of a roofer
According to National Careers, the average salary of a roofer starts from £17,000 per year for beginners. Experienced roofers often earn over £35,000 per year, and your compensation package may vary depending on your employer. Some pay on a project basis and provide hourly wages. Aside from salary, most companies pay bonuses to their employees and overtime wages. You will also enjoy various benefits, including medical insurance and contribution to pension benefits.
what can affect the salary of a roofer?
As a roofer, your earnings depend on the scope of your position and the employer. For instance, roofers working on roof installations for new construction projects are likely to earn more than those dealing with repairs and maintenance. Repairs may include changing part of the roofing in a building, while installation involves working on the entire house. Your qualifications and work experience also influence your pay. When you are an apprentice, your earnings are lower than roofers with better educational qualifications. A few years of hands-on experience also warrants a salary bump due to expertise in handling different roof types.
Since roofers work for various employers, the salary varies depending on the industry sector. For instance, your salary relies on the project type if you work for a construction contractor. Roofers involved in the construction of commercial properties are likely to earn more than those working on residential properties.
types of roofers
You can specialise in a specific roofing style or building type as a roofer. Some of the types of roofers include:
- commercial roofers: as a commercial roofer, you lay out roofs of commercial buildings and industries. The installation often requires specialised skills and experience in using heavy equipment. Aside from installing the roofing materials, you recommend the maintenance procedure to maintain the roofing standards. During a remodel, you inspect the roof and recommend the repairs necessary to fix damages.
- residential roofer: your job is to fix roof problems on private residences. Since the process is not as technical as roof installation, it requires fewer skills and time.
- metal roofer: your job involves installing metal components of the roof. You install metal panels in residential or commercial buildings before the work begins.
- shinglers: as a shingler, you are responsible for installing roofing materials that require nailing them in place. You can install tiles, shakes, shingles and other products.
working as a roofer
Becoming a roofer is an exciting career with promising prospects. Let's look at the daily routine and responsibilities of a roofing contractor.
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roofer job description
While the roles depend on the project or employer, ordinary tasks of a roofer include:
- completing pre-installation inspections: before commencing a roofing project, you need to determine the best repair or remodelling procedure. That means you should inspect the existing structures and write down the parts that need fixing. For new construction projects, you should check the worksite to ensure all tools necessary for the job are available. You also estimate the number of roofing materials you will use and the labour resources needed.
- measuring and cutting roofing materials: you need to ensure the roofing materials fit along the edges and are neatly arranged. That involves altering the materials and trimming the edges for a tight fit. You also need to make sure the roofing material doesn't leave spaces around chimneys, gutters, vents and intersecting surfaces.
- preparing roof surfaces: your job is to smooth out rough sections and level roof surfaces before installing new shingles. You can use abrasive materials to level out surfaces or chisels and hammers. Sometimes you have to fill crevices using gravel to prevent water leakages and level the rooftops.
- installation: your primary responsibility is to install a weatherproof roof regardless of the roofing materials. Installation may include nailing the shingles and asphalt or arranging the roofing tiles. You should use vapour barriers or insulation for a weatherproof roof and apply caulk and mortar to seal any exposed nails that could cause leakages.
- liaising with clients and contractors: your job is to ensure the client is satisfied with the roof installed. Therefore, you need to discuss the roofing materials required and explain the features. You also liaise with the contractors or construction manager to ensure deadlines are adhered to.
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work environment
As a roofer, your work is mainly on construction sites. That means you will spend most of the time outdoors in all weather conditions. Since your primary role is to install roofing materials, you should be comfortable with heights. You need to use scaffolding, ladders and safety equipment like knee pads. Roofers are prone to injuries and illnesses related to their occupation. The extreme temperatures on rooftops can also lead to heat-related illnesses.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your role, your colleagues can include plasterers and roof surveyors. You are also likely to work in close proximity to the site supervisor and construction manager, and other specialists that could include carpenters, architects and contractors.
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work schedule
As a roofer, you will work the regular 40-hour weeks in a full-time position. Since most careers in construction depend on the weather, during peak periods like summer, you have to cover extra hours to make up for the minimal work in winter. Some employers offer flexible work arrangements, including short-term contracts if you want a part-time position. When you are in charge of repairs, routine maintenance and roof replacement, you are likely to work during holidays and weekends to avoid interfering with normal routines in commercial buildings. Being a roofer also involves travelling to construction sites, attending customer call-outs for repairs or assessing storm damage. Freelance opportunities are also available, especially for experienced roofers.
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job outlook
Joining the construction industry as a roofer gives you many opportunities for growth and career progression. After gaining experience working in general roofing, you can specialise in a specific roofing type or hone your skills in particular project types. Some roofers improve their academic qualifications and gain expertise in other construction roles. For instance, some roofers focus on cost estimation and become roof surveyors or steeplejacks. With years of experience, you can become a site supervisor or start a roofing company.
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advantages of finding a roofer job through randstad
Finding your roofer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a roofer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Some of the ways of becoming a roofer include:
- college training: you can find roofing courses at various colleges, some offering certificate and diploma qualifications. Consider taking a Level 2 Diploma in Roof Slating and Tiling or Roofing Occupations. The entry requirements are two or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A to D). When you complete the course, you become a roofing operative trainee.
- apprenticeship: to become a roofing operative, you need to pursue an intermediate apprenticeship in roofing. During the apprenticeship, you will be employed working 30 hours a week and attend a college. You can join the programme with 2-3 GCSEs at grades 9 to 3.
skills and competencies
The following skills will benefit anyone considering a career as a roofer:
- interpersonal skills: as a roofer, you work with a team during the installation or replacement of roofing materials. You need interpersonal skills to collaborate with other members of your team.
- physical fitness: your job often involves lifting heavy items and working at heights. Physical fitness helps you endure spending hours on your feet and climb scaffolds and ladders.
- manual dexterity: handling and installing roofing materials requires manual dexterity. You need to be precise to avoid damages to the roof or building.
- attention to detail: as a roofer, you need to be detail-oriented. For instance, if the roofing follows a specific pattern, attention to detail helps you match the design patterns and check for crevices to ensure the roof is waterproof.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a roofer
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how much money does a roofer make?
In the UK, your salary as a roofer ranges from £17,000 to £35,000. The compensation package often depends on the area of specialism and the employer.
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what do you do as a roofer?
A roofer installs roofing materials in various buildings, from commercial to residential houses. You also complete repairs and remove damaged roofs to prevent water leakages.
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is roofing good money?
When you start, the salary is low, but as you improve your experience, you can enjoy a lucrative salary.
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is roofing a good job?
Becoming a roofer is rewarding since you make people's houses warm and habitable. The career also provides numerous opportunities for career progression.
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how do I apply for a roofer vacancy?
Applying for a roofer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
